Naida Glavish to become a Dame

From humble beginnings to putting Maori language in the public spotlight former President of the Maori Party, Naid Glavish, is about to become a dame. The woman who helped bridge the gap between cultures by using the simple phrase “Kia Ora” when answering the phone at Telecom has gone on to become one of the most recognised faces of the modern Maori movement. Glavish told media that should be using her Maori name, Rangimarie, the name her grandmother gave her, in the full body of the title – to be known as Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish.

"It's the first dame for my hapū and the iwi of Ngāti Whātua, so on their behalf I'm extremely proud to represent them.

"I think when my whānau finds out they will be absolutely delighted. Some will be in a state in a shock, some will wonder how on earth it happened," Dame Glavish said.

"It's where I was born and raised, on the shores of the Kaipara Harbour, and that's where it belongs."

"We need to address the issues people are facing and help them find a path forward - if the service benefits Māori then it will benefit all."